Alpha Alpha State Convention

State College was the site for the Alpha Alpha State Convention.
Two hundred and seventy six attended.
The activities and programs are well worth a mention.
The organizers should indeed be commended.

The Paterno Library was the destination for early arrivals,
Where they are keeping our society’s state history.
Seventy-two years of our archives are guaranteed safe survival.
Our past accomplishments will never be a mystery.

Forty Women of Distinction were honored Friday night
With accolades and awards they deserve.
The Album of Distinction their accomplishments will cite.
As educators, they continue to serve.

Baskets were delivered and rehearsals took place.
Each first timer received a warm greeting.
Is it possible to continue to keep up this pace?
Yes! The day’s “work” ended with an Executive Board Meeting.

Friday night fun included the “Miss Alpha Alpha State” Pageant.
‘Twas the first one (and maybe the last).
The Ethiopia Reads project received proceeds from the event,
Which turned out to be such a blast.

On Saturday Charles Youngs gave the opening address
At the First General session of the day.
Carolyn Sutton presided over the meeting with finesse:
All reports were conveyed sans delay.

New state officers and committee members were duly elected
To serve through the subsequent two years.
State bylaws and standing rule changes were approved as expected.
The hard work of our peers we revere.

Autism and poetry and spirituality and writing
Were afternoon topics regarding education.
Chapter presidents met to share ideas so exciting
To create chapters that warrant emulation.

Focus tables were prepared to help finance chapter projects:
Pins, hats, books, and apples and fine jewelry,
And cookies and quilts were the proffered objects,
Plus shirts – both denim and “T”.

At the Celebration Luncheon we witnessed Jane Kurtz’s initiation.
Now she’s an honorary member and friend.
We do welcome her with great adulation,
And to her project our support we extend.

Five groups celebrated birthdays as chapters in our society.
Peg Lady’s story we did so admire.
Each chapter “performed” creative lyrics with propriety(?)
And we enjoyed the songs sung by the choir.

To Dr. Jensi Souders we send our condolence.
Our thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
And thanks to Dr. Irene Murphy, who has our confidence.
You’re a great speaker – you got the job done.

Then nine chapter members shared their vast expertise -
During workshops that were quite excellent.
And ten creative women shared their art skills with ease.
Thanks for exhibiting the results of your talent.

The Saturday night banquet will be hard to forget.
All anticipated the elegant procession.
Chapter presidents were escorted by uniformed cadets.
The opening made quite an impression.

The musical background made the scene quite complete.
Pianist Donna Houser skillfully played.
To hear guest flutist Lori Elliot was really a treat.
Barb Rankin directed the lovely serenade.

Future officers of chapters were then installed,
And Jane Kurtz gave the keynote address.
The audience was appreciative and duly enthralled.
To organizers and participants our gratitude we express.

Jane Kurtz received a check for more than twelve thousand dollars
For the library project “Ethiopia Reads”.
We are so proud to help young future scholars.
We’re sure that her plan will succeed.

At the Sunday morning Breakfast many honors were awarded
In the form of scholarships and grants.
We’re pleased that the hard work of our sisters is rewarded
And their enthusiasm as educators is enhanced.

Our new experiences have augmented our tapestry’s length
With new stories created and read.
It continues to be intertwined and increases in strength:
We weave with imperishable thread.